The ceilings and walls of my top floor apartment have damage from water ingress through the roof. The ceilings and walls of my top floor apartment have damage from water ingress through the roof. Who should cover the costs of rectification? – Anton, VIC

I’ve a top floor apartment on the 3rd floor where I have been living for the past 20 years. My ceilings and walls have water damage caused by ingress through roof. Even the bathroom has sudden black mould. Who is responsible for the costs of rectification? The owners corporation can’t seem to give me a direct answer and the committee says that since the damage is internal, I must bear the costs. This doesn’t seem right as the damage to my bathroom, ceilings and walls would not has happened had they seen to the integrity of the roof. What should I do?

– Anton, VIC

If you are a tenant you will need to report the matter to your real estate agent. However if you are an owner, you may ask your owners corporation manager for a plan of sub division to check who owns the ceiling and walls. If the roof is on common property, an owner can claim internal damage on the owners corporation insurance policy (if it is not wear and tear). This will be advised by your owners corporation insurance broker.